I lost my heart in... Lay Lady Ledge, Yosemite

Why? Lay Lady Ledge faces straight into the rising sun. Yosemite's range of light is awe-inspiringly beautiful. The ledge is about 1,500ft up and 5ft by 25ft on the south-east buttress of El Capitan.

The best thing: Partying on the ledge! The first time I went there, we stayed on it for a week, trying new climbing routes but going back to the ledge to sleep. One night, we even had a party on it with a dozen guests. We took everything up there we'd need - including three whole chickens, five pounds of steak and a sack of charcoal for the barbecue. We also had a full bar up there, complete with a crate of beer and cocktail mixes - but in spite of the alcohol, it was a very memorable night.

My ideal day: I'd get up at dawn, then climb until it gets too hot, around 11am. Then I'd head back to the ledge to sunbathe and meditate. At about 4pm, I'd continue climbing. I'd return to the ledge just before dark and after something to eat and drink I'd turn in - you generally live around the light when you are outside.

My advice: Walk up Half Dome mountain for the most amazing view in the world.

Getting there: Yosemite is 130 miles due east of San Francisco. Virgin Atlantic (01293 747747, virgin.com/atlantic) flies Heathrow-San Francisco from around £300 return.

What is the best hotel you have ever stayed in? The Banff Springs Hotel (+403 762 2211, fairmont.com, from C$149 per room per night), Alberta, Canada.